James Houston IV Changes Jersey Number With Lions

Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston IV changed his uniform number this offseason after wearing the No. 59 jersey during his rookie campaign. Houston will return to his familiar No. 41 jersey number. It's the same as the number he wore at the University of Florida and Jackson State University.

HBCU fans know Houston as "The Problem" when No. 41 terrorized Southwestern Athletic Conference signal-callers en route to becoming the 2021 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. In 2021, he registered 16.5 sacks, 70 tackles, 24.5 tackles for losses, seven forced fumbles, and an interception in the 2021 SWAC Championship game at the goal line against Prairie View A&M.

Detroit drafted him as the 217th overall pick in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was waived on NFL cutdown day and later added to the Lions' practice squad.

Detroit elevated Houston to the active roster on November 28. He made the most out of his opportunity during the Thanksgiving Day game versus the Buffalo Bills by recording two sacks, two solo tackles, and a fumble recovery in just five defensive snaps. After his outstanding performance, the Lions promoted Houston to the active roster and offered a two-year, $1.575M contract. He set an NFL record by starting his career with a four-game sack streak and finished the season with 12 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and a recovery.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will position Houston primarily at the SAM linebacker position in his second season with the Lions.

Published Jun 15, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends. Former founder and publisher of the Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on SI since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Collegiate Head Coach), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Mark Ingram (NFL RB), Terron Armstead (NFL OL), Jameis Winston (NFL QB), Cam Newton (NFL QB), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Chennis Berry (Collegiate Head Coach), Johnny Jones (Collegiate Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Women's Basketball Coach), Tremaine Jackson (Collegiate Head Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (Former VP of Basketball - New Orleans Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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